1

Reception Booklet

2

Table of Contents

Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………. 2

About Brasov ……………………………………………………………………………... 3

Surroundings of Brașov: ………………………………………………………………….. 4

Poiana Brasov ………………………………………………………………………. 4

Râșnov Fortress …………………………………………………………………….. 4

Bran Castle …………………………………………………………………………. 4

Peles Castle …………………………………………………………………………. 5

Fast facts about Romania …………………………………………………………………. 5

10 Reasons to come to Brașov ……………………………………………………………. 6

How to arrive to AIESEC Brașov ………………………………………………………… 6

Arriving by car ……………………………………………………………………... 6

Arriving by train ……………………………………………………………………. 6

Arriving by plane …………………………………………………………………… 7

Public transport in Brasov ………………………………………………………………… 7

Other important information ……………………………………………………………… 9

Special service numbers …………………………………………………................. 9

Post Office / Mobile phones ……………………………………………………....... 9

Currency ……………………………………………………………………………. 9

Eastern European Time Zone ………………………………………………………. 10

Electricity ………………………………………………………………………....... 10

Check list (Don’t forget to bring …) ……………………………………………………... 10

Romanian Vocabulary …………………………………………………………………….. 11

Price list …………………………………………………………………………………... 13

About the LC ……………………………………………………………………………… 14

Contact details …………………………………………………………………………….. 14

Impressions of other trainees ……………………………………………………………... 15

3

About Brasov

Braşov (pronounced Bra-shov), known as

Kronstadt in German or Brassó in Hungarian has a

population of 283,901 and is the 7th largest city in

Romania. It is located almost in the centre of the

country and surrounded by the Carpathian

Mountains. The city provides a mix of wonderful

mountain scenery in the nearby Poiana Braşov and

medieval history with German influences in the old

town. The city is 176 km from Bucharest. Brasov is

home to what is said to be the narrowest street in

Europe. The Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is

approximately four feet wide and links Cerbului Street with Poarta Schei Street. The street

was initially used as an access route by fire-fighters.

Braşov is up there with Sinaia and the surrounding mountain resorts as the most

visited city in Transylvania, Romania, and this is

something that's not in vain. Braşov boasts

everything from dynamic modern city life to old

world charm and fascinating scenery. As some

people say, "Why bother coming to Romania if

you're not going to see Braşov?"

Braşov has relatively old and wet weather,

especially at night. This region of Romania enjoys

four seasons (i.e. spring and autumn as well as

winter and summer). The average temperature is

7.6°C only, even though in summer temperatures

may reach up to 35°C.

Due to fairly large minority populations, Hungarian and German are also spoken in

addition to Romanian. Many locals also speak English.

Brasov for tourists:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUmIzpYZuIc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4gV0KWdFwE&feature

=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRKqPt97KRk&feature=r

elated

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUPeDISfimY&feature=r

elated

4

Touristic destinations

Brasov Castle

Where: Is situated in the midle of Brasov in the top of a hill called Straja.

The first documentary informations about Brasov Castle, dates from 1529, when the

castle was preparing to stop a millitary atack. In

the midle of 16th century, the castle became the

most important defenceve point, of the city.

Betweeen the years 1553-1554 are build

new artilery towers, sand waves and defence

moat. In 18th century the fortress was

surrounded by sand waves and a defence moat,

but new construction extending was made after

1773 and the sand waves and defece moat were

replaced with the castle’s walls.

In the next century’s, the castle was

funtioned like prison, between 1955 and 1975 was warehouse for Ntional Archive and after

1981 became a medieval touristic complex.

Black Church

Where: Johannes Honterus Yard, No. 2, Brasov.

Access: From Sfatului Square

On the N-W side of the Sfatului

Square is the imposing Black Church. Since

1385, when construction began, to the fire

from 1689, the Church was called Saint Mary.

After the fire, because the walls were

black, the Church was called Black Church,

being a well know symbol of the Gothic Art

from Transylvania.

There you can see 5 portals, executed

in the second half of the 15th

century, whit

rich decors, specific for the last fazes of the

Gothic Art from Central and Eastern Europe.

In church is presented a important and

valuable collection of oriental carpets (over 100). And also in church can see the organ whit

4000 tubes, installed in 1839.

5

Saint Nicholas Church

Where: Unirii Square, No.2-3, Brasov.

The Saint Nicholas Church was documentary attested in 1292

and after 1495 was reconstructed from stone, whit help from prince

Petru Cercel and Mihai Vitezu, being added another 3 buildings.

The monument has Gothic and Baroque influences, being

synthesized with the Byzantine Art. Here is burry Nicolae Titulescu,

ex External Relationship Minister of Romania.

Graft Tower

Where: Dupa ziduri Alley, Brasov.

Access: From Muresenilor Street

The Graft Tower was build in 15th

century, was a

connection for White Tower and in 16th

century was build

in the nearby area a defensive wall with 8 towers.

Also then was dig the Graft Canal, which should

collect the water from the Warthe Hill and in 1809, the

base of the wall was wicked, so was constructed some

arches to hold the wall.

Black and White Tower

Where: Dupa ziduri Alley, Brasov.

The Black Tower was buld in 14th

century and in

1559 was hit by a lighting and begun to burn, remaining with

the name of Black Tower. Inside the Black Tower can visit a

collection of white and fire weapons.

6

Ecaterina’s Gate

Where: Beethoven Alley, Brasov

Ecaterina’s Gate is the most

well preserved access gate in the city.

Was build in 1559, being the principal

access gate from Schei and being also

defence tower.

Schei Gate

Where: Schei Gate Street

Was build between the years 1827-

1828, for a better circulation between Brasov

Fortress and Up Suburb with financial

contribution from Romanian merchandisers.

The construction is in neoclassic style, with a

central opening, for vehicles, with 2 lateral

opening for pedestrians. Schei Gate was

restored after the earthquake in 4 march 1977

and repaired many times, last time in 2004.

Rope Street

Where: Schei Gate Street

The Rope Street has a various width between 111 and 135 cm

and first time was find in documents in 17th century. The street was

rehabilitated in 2003.

7

History Museum

Where: Sfatului Square

In Central Square of the old Fortress, in 1420 was

constructed the City Hall. The first floor still has original

elements from Gothic style. From 1950 the building is

hosting the History Museum.

The permanent exposition is: “Brasov – history,

culture, civilisation”, organised in 17 rooms with 3334

pieces. The exposition is structured on 3 sectors:

archaeology on basement, medieval history on first floor and

modern history at the second floor.

Romanian First School’s Museum

Where:Unirii Square, No. 2-3

Romanian First

School was constructed in

1495 and between the years

1760-1761 were made

some modifications.

Between 1557-1583, Coresi

Deacon typed here 17

volumes in Romanian and

Slavon, on paper made in

factory in Brasov. Nearby

is, recently restarted, the

museum complex inside the

Saint Nicholas exposed in

30 rooms. Thematic are

organized expositions like

“Brasov’s Junii”, “Ex libris Museum”, “Museum Nicolae Titulescu” or “Museum Ion Colan”.

8

Art Museum

Where: Eroilor Boulevard, No.21

The building was constructed

in1902 and in the rooms from the first

floor are hosting a National Gallery of the

most important Romanian artists. The

expositions are various and represent the

evolution of art in Romania, from the

Transylvania’s anonyms to

contemporaneous artists.

At Art Museum is hosting and the

second largest collection of paintings

created by Nicolae Grigorescu in the

country. At museum’s basement is a

exposition of Oriental and European of

Decorative Art, with pieces of glass and porcelain made in well know workshops like Meissen,

Delft, Sevres, Capo di Monte, Murano and in important workshops from Romania.

“Muresenilor House” Museum

Where: Sfatului Square, No. 25

“Muresenilor House” was

founded in 1968, being a donation

made by the descendants of

Muresenilor family. They offered the

necessary space for a museum, a

very valuable collection of furniture,

paintings, sculptures and over 25.000

books and documents.

Muresenilor Archive is one

of the most rich and important family

archives. Museum “Mureenilor

House” became a complex of

memorial houses dedicated to

memory of great personalities from

Brasov.

9

Sica Alexandrescu Theatre

Where: Theatre Square, No. 1

The theatre was founded in 1946

and it was called “State Theatre”. After

that in 1968, the director Sica

Alexandrescu, the manager of the

institution, changed the name in “Dramatic

Theatre”. The theatre has 2 rooms: the big

room with 750 seats and a smaller room

called

“Studio ‘82”, with a capacity of 60 seats.

Brasov’s Opera

Where: Bisericii Romane Street, No. 51

Brasov’s Opera was founded in 1953 and

named “The Musical Theatre”. After few great shows

and some national and international successes,

transformed The Musical Theatre in Brasov’s Opera.

Reduta Cultural Center

Where: Apollonia Hircher Street, No.8

The Redutas’s Cultural Center old building, was build

in 18th century and was used for theatre, concerts hall and

proms hall. The building was demolished in1892 and

reconstructed beetwin the years 1893-1894 with money from a

German Bank from Brasov.

Was called Reduta, after the name of a famous hall

from Wien and used for theatre, cinema, prom’s hall and

concert hall. Now the build is part of Brasov’s Historical

Center, wearing the name of Architectural Reservation. Also

now is use for cultural activities, Philharmonic’s concerts,

expositions, modern music concerts and theatre.

10

Cinema

Go Multiplex Cinema

Where: Eliana Mall, 1 floor, Cristianului

Restaurants

For Sale Pub

Where: 15th

November Boulevard, No.24

Tudor House

Where: Avram Iancu Street, No. 58

Romanian cuisine and fish specialiti.

Ceasu’ Rau

Where: Iuliu Maniu Street, No. 56

Traditional cuisine.

Belagio

Where: Michel Weiss Street, No.18

Mediterranean cuisine.

Forest ranger’s House

Where: Tiberiu Brediceanu Alley, No.2

Wild animals meat and traditional food.

Romanian House

Where: Unirii Square, No. 15

Romanian cuisine specifically from Brasov’s area.

Deane’s Irish Pub & Grill

Where: Republicii Street, No.19

Swing, Live Jazz, Karaoke, Irish music.

Faberge

Where: Enescu Square, No. 13

French cuisine.

Sergiana Restaurant

Where: Muresenilor Street, No. 27

Transylvanian cuisine.

11

Trattoria del Chianti

Where: Branduselor Street, No. 100

Italian cuisine.

Clubs

Tequila Bowling

Where: Avram Iancu Street, No. 32

Kasho

Where: Train Station’s Boulevard, No. 7

Sofa

Where: Grivitei Boulevard, No. 65

Oya

Where: 15 November Street, No. 78

Social Pub

Where: Mihail Kogalniceanu Street, No. 23

Times

Where: Eroilor Boulevard, No. 17

Surroundings of Brașov: Poiana Brasov

Where: 5 miles north of Brasov

Access: Bus #20 leaves every half-hour from Livada

Postei bus station.

A 15-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride from Brasov

leads to Poiana Brasov (3,300 feet), a mountaintop ski and

summer resort. During winter months, Poiana Brasov

offers some of the best skiing in Romania. In the summer,

it is a great place for hikers to launch treks into the

Southern Carpathian Mountains. For a panoramic view of

Brasov and the more distant Bucegi Mountains, take the

cable car to the summit of Postavarul Mountain (5,756

feet).

12

Râșnov Fortress

Location: Transylvania – Central Romania

Nearby large towns: Brasov (9 miles northeast)

Nearest train station: Brasov

Admission charge.

Bran Castle

Location: Transylvania – Central Romania

Nearby large town: Brasov (16 miles northeast)

Nearest train station: Brasov

Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched

high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to

its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created

around Bram Stocker’s Dracula.

Peles Castle

Location: Sinai – Southern Romania

Nearby large towns:

Brasov (40 miles north)

and București (80 miles south)

nearest train station: Sinaia

Nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque

town of Sinaia, Peleș Castle is a masterpiece of German new-

Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most

stunning castles in Europe.

13

Romanian Food

Country beef soup

Guts soup

Fish soup

14

Meatballs soup

Roll cabbage

Green pepper with meet

15

Mici

Lamb drob

Mamaliga with chesse

Eggplant salad

16

Zacusca

Donuts

Fried dumplings

Apple pie

17

Sweet bread

Pancakes

18

Fast facts about Romania

Average annual temperatures in Romania: 11°C in the south and 8°C in the north.

Population: 21 680 974 in March 2003 according to National Statistics Institute.

Ethnic structure: 89.5% Romanian, 6.6% Hungarian, 2.5% Roma, 0.3% Serbian, 0.3%

Ukrainian, 0.3% German, 0.2% Russian, 0.2% Turkish, 0.4% other.

Language: Romanian, a Romance language, has features of Latin with Slavic, German,

Greek, Hungarian and Turkish influences. Other languages spoken are Hungarian and

German.

Religion: 86.7% - Eastern Orthodox, 4.7% - Roman-Catholic, .2% - Protestant, 0.9% - Greek-

Catholic, 0.1% - Evangelical, 0.3% - Unitarian, 0.4% - other religions.

10 Reasons to come to Brașov

1. People are friendly and nice

2. You will experience a cool winter

3. Brașov has a very long history

4. Great surroundings (landscapes and landmarks)

5. Pubs, clubs and other ways to enjoy nightlife

6. You will come to the most beautiful city in

Romania

7. In the centre of the country

8. Get in touch with other 30,000 students

9. Cultural life

10. Parks and walking promenades

How to arrive to AIESEC Brașov

Arriving by car

Speed limits are 50kph in built-up areas and up to 90kph on main roads. If you come

by car to Romania, bring your driving licence, car papers and green card. Romania applies the international regulations of Convention for the Customs.

19

Facilities for Tourist Traffic

Highly valuable good will and foreign currency (over the value of $ 1,000 per person) must be

declared when entering the country.

All roads are marked in accordance with the international regulations. Driving is on

the right side of the road and overtaking on the left. Driving under the influence of alcohol is

forbidden.

Arriving by train

If you are coming by train, all the international trains which

cross Brașov will surely stop in the train station of the city. If

your train is not coming through Brașov, you will probably go

through the ”București Nord” railway station, which is the

train station of the capital city of Romania. Trains are coming

from the Bucharest train station to Brașov regularly, about

each hour between 6am and 8pm. The train schedules for the

internal trains you get at: http://www.infofer.ro or for international trains at

http://www.bahn.de .

Arriving by plane

Romania has three international airports:

1. Airport Otopeni (Bucharest):

The biggest international airport in Romania. Henri Coandă Airport is connected to the

public transport company RATB system. The 780 route provides express bus service to Gara

de Nord railway station in Bucharest and the 783 route

provides express bus service to the city center.

2. Airport Băneasa (Bukarest)

The airport is situated 8 km north of Bucharest city

center and is accessible by RATB buses 131, 335 and

Airport Express 783, RATB tramway 5 and taxi. An

extension of Line M4 of the Bucharest Metro to Aurel

Vlaicu International, which will link it to the Main Train

Station “Gara de Nord”.

3. International Airport Sibiu

From Sibiu you have regular buses coming to Brașov. For schedules check

http://www.autogari.ro.

20

Public transport in Brasov

Romania has an efficient public transport system, which operates from 5.30 a.m. till

midnight. Tickets can be bought at RAT BV kiosks but they close at 5:00pm. If you are caught

without a ticket you will be fined and expected to pay on the spot.

To your dorms you can arrive with busses 5, 14, 15,15B and 28. The central bus station

of the city Livada Poștei is about 10-15 min walk away, and the city centre just at the same

distance.

Bus Station Bus Number

Train station 51 42 4 29 35

Livada Postei 1 2 4 6 12 14 14B 15 15B 16 17 20 28 34 36 37 41

50B 50

Poiana Brasov 20

A bus number followed by the “B” letter stands for the number crossed by a line, as you can see

it on the bus.

21

Cab numbers

Taxi TodFax +40-268-321111,

Martax: +40-268-313040, +40-268-944

Rey Taxi +40-268-411111

Ro Taxi: +40-268-319999 ,

State and private taxis are equipped with metres. As with many things in Romania

prices are more than reasonable but you should not ever get in a cab which doesn't have the

name of the company on the top of the car; they will cheat you. And you should ask the driver

to start the metre. The prices per km are always written on the doors of the cabs.

Other important information

Special service numbers

112 – police, ambulance, fire

Post Office / Mobile phones

Post offices are located all around the city. At the every post office you can buy

stamps, post cards, use fax machines and make international calls. Post card to the world costs

less than $ 1.00.

Romanian numbers start from +40 (city or operator code) for Brașov (XXX-XXX-

XXX), for example +40268-718133 is a land phone in Brașov.

Major mobile operators are:

Vodafone

Orange

Cosmote

All the operators have different special offers also for prepaid cards and you can get a

lot of minutes inside your network and some national minutes for prices between 3-5€.

Currency

The national currency is the LEU (plural LEI), in the international system called RON.

1 EURO: 4.2685 LEI

1 USD: 3.0368 LEI

Coins come with denominations of 1, 10, and 50 Bani. (1 Leu=100 Bani) Notes in

denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 200 lei.

Major credit and charge cards Visa, MasterCard and

American Express are accepted only in few hotels and

restaurants. To buy something in a shop asks first if they

accept credit cards. In generally Visa, Visa Electron,

22

MasterCard and Maestro cards are usable in almost any place where you can pay with your

credit card.

The currency system has changed since 1th of July 2005, when 10.000 lei became 1 Leu

(ROL=the old Lei, RON=the new Lei). So if you see the price written in RON and not Lei, you

should know that they are the same.

Foreign currency can only be exchanged at banks and authorized exchange Offices. As

rates can vary from one place to another it is wise to shop around. Do not exchange currency

from dealers in the street. No matter how good the rate they offer is, they will find a way to

cheat you. For exchanging money you most often need an identity card or passport.

Eastern European Time Zone GMT +2 hours

When noon in Romania(12.00) it is 11.00 in Paris and Berlin, 10.00 in London, 05.00 in

New York, 19.00 in Sydney and 13.00 in Moscow.

Summertime: GMT +3 hours, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Electricity 220 volts and 50 Hz. 2 prong plug.

Romania is considered a safe country in European terms,

but we wouldn't advise you to take walks at nights in parks or

peripheral areas.

Always keep your bags and purse in front of you,

especially when in buses and be careful when you are surrounded by many persons. The pocket thieves are agile. In case of emergency call the Police.

Check list (Don’t forget to bring….)

There are few things that you should not forget to include into your luggage when

coming. We are going to give you some hints here:

- some typical sweets or dishes

- your national flag and traditional cloths

- if you take any sort of medicine, bring the prescription with you

- if you wear glasses and contact lenses, also bring the prescription with you

- your dictionary, from your language into English

- some recipes of your traditional dishes

- warm clothes if you’re coming during the winter time( we have sometimes

temperatures around -20 - 25ºC )

23

Romanian Vocabulary

Yes Da

No Nu

Hello Bună!/Salut!

Good bye! La revedere!

Take care! Ai grijă!

Please Te rog

Thanks Mulțumesc

Good morning Bună dimineața!

Good afternoon Bună ziua!

Good evening Bună seara!

Good night Noapte bună!

How are you? Ce mai faci?

I am fine. Sunt bine.

Leave me alone. Lasa-mă în pace.

What’s your name? Cum te numești?

My name is… Numele meu este…

How old are you? Câți ani ai?

Where are you from? De unde ești?

I am from…. Sunt din….

Pleased to meet you! Încântat de cunoștiința.

How much? Cât costă?

How many? Cât de multe?

Expensive Scump

Cheap Ieftin

Small Mic

Big Mare

Credit card Carte de credit

Beer Bere

Wine Vin

Breakfast Mic dejun

Lunch Prânz

Dinner Cină

Pub Pub/Bar

Hospital Spital

Drug Store Farmacie

Department store Magazin

Airport Aeroport

Train station Gară

Bus station Stație de autobuz / Autogară

Yesterday Ieri

Today Azi

Tomorrow Mâine

Day Zi

Week Săptămână

Month Lună

Year An

Man Bărbat

Woman Femeie

Beautiful Frumos

24

I love you ! Te iubesc.

Entrance Intrare

Exit Ieșire

Open Deschis

Closed Închis

First aid Primul ajutor

Excuse me. Scuză-mă

Sorry! Îmi cer scuze.

Help! Ajutor!

Stop! Stop!

Call the Police! Sună Poliția.

I am a foreigner. Sunt strain.

I don’t understand. Nu ințeleg.

I am looking for…. Caut….

Please speak more slowly. Vorbește mai rar, te rog.

Please write it down. Scrie, te rog.

How do you say…… in Romanian? Cum spui….in română?

What time is it? Cât e ceasul?

Early Devreme

Late Târziu

Monday Luni

Tuesday Marți

Wednesday Miercuri

Thursday Joi

Friday Vineri

Saturday Sâmbătă

Sunday Duminică

Merry Christmas! Crăciun fericit!

Happy New Year! An nou fericit!

Happy Easter! Paște fericit!

Happy Birthday! La mulți ani!

1 Unu

2 Doi

3 Trei

4 Patru

5 Cinci

6 Sașe

7 Șapte

8 Opt

9 Nouă

10 Zece

20 Douăzeci

30 Treizeci

40 Patruzeci

25

50 Cincizeci

60 Șaizeci

70 Șaptezeci

80 Optzeci

90 Nouăzeci

100 O sută

Price list

Product Lei Euro Dollar

Sliced bread 750g 2.5 0.58 0.83

Still mineral water2L 3,39 0,79 1.13

Coca- Cola 2L 6 1.4 2

Chocolate 100g 3 0.7 1

Ice cream 1kg 15 3.5 5

Nuttela 400g 9.5 2.23 3.16

Fast food sandwich 6.5 1.5 2.16

Hamburger McDonald’s 3.5 0.82 1.16

Cigarettes 12 2.81 4

Beer in a pub 500ml 6 1.4 2

Beer 2L 6 1.4 2

Bus ticket (Brașov) 1.5 0.35 0.5

One month pass busses (one line) 35 8.21 11.66

One month pass busses (all lines) 80 18.77 26.66

Pasta (in restaurants) 12 2.81 4

About our LC

AIESEC Brașov is one of the 13 local committees in Romania. In recent year it had a

big growth on Exchange, and several trainees who returned from their internship in Brașov

have taken Leadership positions in their home country. If you would like to have a CEED

opportunity you can check also our website: http://aiesecbv.ro/new/ and we recommend you to

tell this wish of yours before your arrival to the TN Manager and then at the beginning of your

internship you will agree together with our VP HR about your decision.

Andreea Tincu Nicoleta Moldovan Adriana Ababei

AIESEC Brașov President Social Development VP Human Resources VP

tincu.andreea90@gmail.com andreea.nicomoldovan@gmail.com adriana.ababei@gmail.com

+40749 372 268 +40754 955 566 +40743 318 474

26

Impressions of other trainees

Kamen Tabakov :

“Spending time in the city and the outskirts is great, but not what I

came for. I came for the experience of enriching, even a little a bit,

the knowledge and view of the world of the pupils in the local

highschools. Working with the pupils is a challenging and fulfilling

experience. The kids are very smart, open-minded and full of energy.

It is as they say – the kids are like a blank paper and on it can be

written any scenario and it is our responsibility to help them make it

as good and as positive as possible.

In the same time I started my CEED as well, enabling me to work in a

team with AIESECers from another country yet again. The feeling of people with different

background, from different cultures and countries working together and walking in the same

direction for no money at all makes me happy again.

Natalie Monica Kartikasari:

“My experience so far has taught me how to adapt to new

environment, culture and live beyond my comfort zone. A number

of Brasov AIESECers who I met here make an effort to make us feel

comfortable and happy. My job in the kindergarten is really

wonderful because of the nature of the job, my love for children and

my wonderful colleagues and boss. I really love the company of the

other 4 trainees too and they make my stay enjoyable.

For other impressions: http://aiesecbv.ro/exchange/?page_id=17

You can check also our facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/AIESECBV

and our Incoming Exchange page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/InComing-eXchange-in-Brasov/110219515721339

27

We can’t wait to see you in

Brașov!!!